Augmented Reality-Based Remote Valve Assistance

The phrase digital transformation can conjure up an image of massive changes over a short timeframe. But the reality is that we’ve been undergoing a digital transformation in our personal lives for decades. Things like remote control devices, wireless communications, access to information, etc. have all grown in scope and ease of access. Little changes and improvements spread out over time have brought we are to where we are today.

In our world of automation, one great example is the ability to access remote experts to help fix problems uncovered in the manufacturing or production process. This quick 2-minute YouTube video, Remote Assistance through Augmented Reality, is a great example of how experienced, remotely-located valve experts can work with on-site maintenance personnel to fix issues with valves.

This video demonstrates how highly-trained Emerson service technicians, through augmented reality technology, work with plant personnel to efficiently and effectively repair valve equipment back to the standards set by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The digital transformation is not only the connected services of remote experts with local personnel, and not only the use of augmented reality technology to visually show the steps required to fix the valves—it’s also that this is done digitally and recorded so that a library of specific knowledge can be built for easy access in future similar situations.

Just like in your personal life, one innovation here and another over there puts you on a journey to improvements that were not all done in one massive swoop. And, by understanding the business objectives of where your business would like to be, you can develop a digital transformation roadmap to take incremental steps to achieve these objectives.